AGROCHEMICAL RETAILERS AS CHANGE AGENTS: A BEHAVIOURAL STUDY ON THEIR WILLINGNESS TO PROMOTE BIO-PESTICIDES AND ORGANIC INPUTS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29121/granthaalayah.v13.i7.2025.6280Keywords:
Agrochemical, Behaviour, Biopesticide, Retailers, SustainableAbstract [English]
Agrochemical retailers serve as a vital link between manufacturers and farmers, often influencing decisions related to pesticide use. With the growing need for sustainable agriculture, the promotion of bio-pesticides and organic inputs is critical. However, limited attention has been paid to the behavioural determinants behind retailers’ product recommendations. This study investigates the willingness of pesticide retailers to promote eco-friendly alternatives such as bio-pesticides and organic inputs in Kamrup district, Assam, India. Using a mixed-method approach involving surveys and interviews with 50 retailers, the study reveals that while most retailers are aware of bio-pesticides, their willingness to promote them is often constrained by perceived low demand, lack of incentives, insufficient technical knowledge and concerns over product efficacy. The study concludes with policy recommendations aimed at strengthening retailers' capacity as change agents for sustainable agriculture.
Downloads
References
Asfaw, S., Kassie, M., Simtowe, F., & Lipper, L. (2012). Poverty Reduction Effects of Agricultural Technology adoption: A Micro-evidence from Rural Tanzania. The Journal of Development Studies, 48, 1288–1305. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220388.2012.671475 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00220388.2012.671475
Ashoka, N., Ravi, K. B., Gajanana, K., Ravi, Y., Rajeshwari, N., & Venkatesh, H. (2018). Analysis of Farmer's Behaviour for Bio-Pesticides in Hyderabad-Karnataka: A Case in Ballari and Koppal Districts. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 7(5), 1503–1506.
Centre for Science and Environment. (2021). Pesticide Use and Regulation in India: A CSE report. New Delhi: Centre for Science and Environment.
Feder, G., Murgai, R., & Quizon, J. (2010). Sending Farmers Back to School: The Impact of Farmer Field Schools in Indonesia. Review of Agricultural Economics, 26(1), 45–62. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9353.2003.00161.x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9353.2003.00161.x
Food and Agriculture Organization. (2021). Pesticide Retailer Training Manual. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Kumar, S., & Singh, P. (2019). Adoption of Organic Farming Practices in India: Role of Extension and Advisory Services. Indian Journal of Extension Education, 55(4), 10–16.
MANAGE (National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management). (2020). Training Module for Input Dealers Under DAESI Programme. Hyderabad: MANAGE.
Meijer, S. S., Catacutan, D., Ajayi, O. C., Sileshi, G. W., & Nieuwenhuis, M. (2015). The Role of Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions in the Uptake of Agricultural and Agroforestry Innovations Among Smallholder Farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, 13(1), 40–54. https://doi.org/10.1080/14735903.2014.912493 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14735903.2014.912493
Peshin, R., Hansra, B. S., Nanda, R., Singh, K., Sharma, R., Bajiya, M. R., & Kumar, R. (2022). Impact of Integrated Pest Management Farmer Field School Programs in the Subtropics of Jammu and Kashmir, India. International Journal of Pest Management, 70(4), 1315–1330. https://doi.org/10.1080/09670874.2022.2111617 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09670874.2022.2111617
Pretty, J., & Bharucha, Z. P. (2015). Integrated Pest Management for Sustainable Intensification of Agriculture in Asia and Africa. Insects, 6(1), 152–182. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects6010152 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/insects6010152
Sarma, S., & Prity, K. (2025). A Case Study on Sikkim Sustainability Initiatives and Economic Implications. Indian Journal of Sustainable Development, 11(1).
Singh, A. K., De, H. K., & Pal, P. P. (2015). Training Needs of agro-input Dealers in South 24 Parganas District of West Bengal. Indian Research Journal of Extension Education, 15(2), 7–10.
Van den Berg, H., Zaim, M., Yadav, R. S., Soares, A., Ameneshewa, B., Mnzava, A., Hii, J., Dash, A. P., & Ejov, M. (2012). Global Trends in the use of Insecticides to Control Vector-Borne Diseases. Environmental Health Perspectives, 120(4), 577–582. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1104340 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1104340
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Abul Faiz
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
With the licence CC-BY, authors retain the copyright, allowing anyone to download, reuse, re-print, modify, distribute, and/or copy their contribution. The work must be properly attributed to its author.
It is not necessary to ask for further permission from the author or journal board.
This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge.
